This week is all about hometown Chicago and Christmas coming early. Before the holiday even gets here, there’s Junior Stopka on Monday night at North Bar with “The Twelve Comics of Christmas” and it’s free! No charge to see a dozen of Chicago’s most groundbreaking, award-winning, memorable, funniest comedians. Merry Christmas! Starting Tuesday night, Chicago […]

Looking for a perfect holiday gift? How about a faaaabulous showcase? The price is right. Many of Chicago’s showcases are free. Those not free are often only $5 – $10. Sometimes you’ll even find free pizza and in some cases (although not this week), free pancakes. Several people have said to me that budget keeps […]

A familiar face on Comedy Central tomorrow night! Tune in to @midnight at 11 p.m. to see Dan Telfer, formerly of Chicago Underground Comedy (ChUC). He was one of Chicago’s most popular stand-ups before he moved to L.A. a couple of years back. He is recognized around the world for his “Best Dinosaur” viral video […]

It’s the holiday season. (Yay! Ohhhh, shit!) You can find a comedy holiday show to meet every mood incarnation of the season, from traditional Charlie Brown to non-traditional Charlie Brown to Second City’s take on the horror of office parties and every variation in between. Visitors to Chicago this week include Bridget Everett (who changed my […]

Thanksgiving is no exception to the Chicago rule of great comedy every night of the year. Snow, sleet, ice, insufferable temps, holidays and faux holidays. None stand in the way. Comedy, as always, is a refuge and  celebration in its own right. Escape the Thanksgiving table when the conversation turns twitchy. The next day you […]

Another week with THREE comedy festivals: Laughingstock, The Mary Scruggs Works by Women Festival at Second City and Corn Comedy Palooza. Some all-time greats in town this week: Elayne Boosler at the Comedy Shrine! Steve Martin and Martin Short at Rosemont Theater! Also hometown favorite Kyle Kinane! Outstanding list of out-of-towners this week continues with […]